Public Art

The City's Public Art Program has 70 unique pieces of public art ranging from murals, mosaics, oil and water color paintings, utility box art, stained glass, sculptures, benches, bridge railings, and more may be seen throughout the City.

Discover the Public Art in San Luis Obispo through an Interactive Storyboard Map:

The Parks and Recreation Department oversees the City's vibrant Public Art Program which consists of three distinct components:

CITY-OWNED PUBLIC ART: The City of San Luis Obispo currently administers a Visual Arts in Public Places program which encourages public art in new and existing buildings, parks, streets and other development projects for the enjoyment its citizens and visitors. For most of its capital projects, the City sets aside 1% of the construction cost to a citywide fund used to support other worthwhile public art projects.

PRIVATE ART IN PUBLIC PLACES (AIPP): The City also has an ordinance in place requiring the placement of public art, valued at 0.5% of the total construction cost, on privately-funded, non-residential constructions projects costing in excess of $100,000.

PRIVATE DONATIONS OF PUBLIC ART: An additional and important source of of public art is that which is privately funded and located in a public place. The City has been the recipient of several excellent pieces obtained through the private donation program. To donate artwork to the City, please fill out this Art Donation Application.